Meaningful Magic Items

[Samloyal23]

I've been trying to think of magic items that would not just be useful to advenuterers, but relevent to the culture that produced them. I think such items add to the authenticity of the game. So one example is a magic scythe used by a cleric of Demeter, the goddess of grain and harvests. This item is a +3 keen weapon and good in combat, but to make it meaningful it needs more than that, so when a creature is slain with it, the body of the dead opponent is embued with the enrichment form of the Plant Growth spell. Burying the body activates the spell, which then effects the area the body was buried in. Thus, each opponent of the wielder who dies also serves the purposes of the goddess Demeter, enriching the land and increase the fertility of the plants around the burial site.

So, has anyone else given consideration to such things when creating magic items? Do you think about how something you design for a game fits into the mythology and culture of your campaign?

 

[dragonfriend7738]

This is actually a really great idea. My friends and I have created something similar- a suit of armor that was worn by a legendary general and had some interesting quirks- but nothing really in depth.

However, I'm contemplating creating a homebrew world here shortly, and I like this idea to the point that I'm going to use it when I do get to world smithing.

 

[Empirate]

I've been thinking about a campaign set in an archipelago, where the Orb of Storms wondrous item would form the primary defense of most cities (since the only way to wage war in such a world would be by seaborne assault). To be appointed Keeper of the Orb of Storms is the highest honor, which is only given to the most trusted members of a given community. The campaign would, naturally, revolve around such items being stolen/rendered powerless/turned against their owners, or something like that.

I also love the idea of royal insignia being powerful magic items: the crown conferring +6 to Charisma and protection from mindreading, charming and domination; the scepter acting as a Rod of Lordly Might, etc.

 

[xigbar]

Any location where an overwhelming demographic worships one god is an easy way to make an item that's cultrually relevant, so it can reflect the generally held beliefs of the culture. Mock knock-off items of ones national heroes/celebrities wear are cool as well.

 

[Samloyal23]

I've been thinking about a campaign set in an archipelago, where the Orb of Storms wondrous item would form the primary defense of most cities (since the only way to wage war in such a world would be by seaborne assault). To be appointed Keeper of the Orb of Storms is the highest honor, which is only given to the most trusted members of a given community. The campaign would, naturally, revolve around such items being stolen/rendered powerless/turned against their owners, or something like that.

I also love the idea of royal insignia being powerful magic items: the crown conferring +6 to Charisma and protection from mindreading, charming and domination; the scepter acting as a Rod of Lordly Might, etc.

Royal regalia should definitely have some real power to it. It represents the support of a nation's gods and the reach of the dynasty's history...

 

[Gilladian]

My current PCs own a magic item each that is unique to them. One of them was once the staff of a very powerful wizard in the campaign world, and has abilities they have not yet dreamed of. If they studied the wizard, however, they'd be able to guess.

A second weapon is a magic sword with a silence power on it. It was once owned by a rogue who was famous for killing mages during a time of constant mage-led warfare.

I've always supposed the royal regalia was magical, but havve never had to figure out what it does! Making knock-off lesser versions for important NPC royal wannabes could be fun.

 

[Samloyal23]

My current PCs own a magic item each that is unique to them. One of them was once the staff of a very powerful wizard in the campaign world, and has abilities they have not yet dreamed of. If they studied the wizard, however, they'd be able to guess.

A second weapon is a magic sword with a silence power on it. It was once owned by a rogue who was famous for killing mages during a time of constant mage-led warfare.

I've always supposed the royal regalia was magical, but havve never had to figure out what it does! Making knock-off lesser versions for important NPC royal wannabes could be fun.

Royal regalia should reflect the character of the monarchy and enhance the prestige of the king. A crown for example could allow a king to use his Charisma score to enhance his AC and saving throws or gain special abilities like Divine Health. A sceptre could allow a ruler to cast Geas to compel loyalty. A throne could be enchanted to extend the life of a ruler who maintains his popularity with his people. There are lots of options...

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

The only time I played a Conan game my DM and I designed a Sword based off of D&D's Weapons of Legacy rules.

In a nutshell, a Prince had his nation wiped clean by his vengeful older brother who sought necromantic arts. The Prince took his father's sword, dipped it in tar, than the blood of his people, then in the sands of his land and wrapped the entire thing in cloth. As the game progressed, his sword became more powerful as he pursued revenge upon his brother and sought to establish a new kingdom of his own.

 

[Samloyal23]

The only time I played a Conan game my DM and I designed a Sword based off of D&D's Weapons of Legacy rules.

In a nutshell, a Prince had his nation wiped clean by his vengeful older brother who sought necromantic arts. The Prince took his father's sword, dipped it in tar, than the blood of his people, then in the sands of his land and wrapped the entire thing in cloth. As the game progressed, his sword became more powerful as he pursued revenge upon his brother and sought to establish a new kingdom of his own.

How does that work out as crunch? I like the idea of an item taking energy from the deeds done with it, for good or evil...

 

[Dandu]

Tar, blood, sand... sounds kinda messy.